FRISCO — There was a time when a select group of analysts speculated that the Dallas Cowboys would scheme a way for Shedeur Sanders to make his way to The Star and become the next face of the franchise. Such ridiculous chatter never completely disappeared even after the Cowboys‘ signed Dak Prescott to a record contract extension before the start of the 2024 regular season.
Flash-forward to a time now after the 2025 NFL Draft and the team instead orchestrated a well thought out draft, landing several targets of choice through all three days. Conversely, Sanders took a drastic slide into the fifth round that no one saw coming.
The Cowboys are not really at fault here, having solved their quarterback depth concerns earlier in the offseason. But several teams that needed and still have quarterback vacancies deliberately passed on him.
That may be a natural cause of team owners not liking Sanders or doubting his ability on the field. Respected Cowboys icon Michael Irvin has instead sided with the conspiracy theorists, crying foul after what he believes what a multi-million dollar robbery.
“Everybody that has seen him play has said he’s No. 1 or No. 2 in this draft… Can’t be mad at Cleveland, they played their cards and picked him up in the fifth round. But I’d surely like to know how they knew he would still be there.
“You just robbed this young man of $50 million. And it wasn’t on his playing ability. Shame on you.”
Irvin’s passionate conspiracy-inspired soliloquy actually does have some truth. Sanders’ playing ability was not the driving reason for this slide. Unfortunately, a pile up of factors that included his play and perceived attitude left team leadership concerned about his prospects as a pro.
Irvin’s staunch defense of his former teammate’s son (and close friend, as Deion and Michael are remarkably tight) is admirable to a point, but there’s no basis for a “robbery” here. All the available pre-draft evidence, including the tape and team insight shows that there was hesitation in taking him. Perhaps more should have been read into that speculation.
Regardless of any financial losses or any other personal gain Sanders lost from that moment, it is all a matter of the past. He is now competing for his job with four other quarterbacks, three of which are actively competing against him this summer.
If Sanders wants to be successful in the league, he must set his sights on proving himself in Cleveland.
And with all due respect to Deion and to Michael: Shedeur’s best bet is to shake off the conspiracy theories, wear a chip on his shoulder while taking the blame for any missteps, and move forward as simply 1 of 90 teammates trying to forge ahead.
